Prague
Completed

Jiří David: Záře – Exploring the Monumental Neon Art Installation at Galerie Rudolfinum

This unique project details the technical mastery and artistic vision behind the striking public light art.

The "Jiří David: Záře" exhibition at Galerie Rudolfinum offers an in-depth look at the monumental neon artwork 'Záře' (Glow), installed as a thorn crown above the Dvořák Hall's roof. Discover the intricate conceptualization and technical development of this large-scale site-specific sculpture, which involved extensive collaboration. This unique light art project highlights significant contemporary artistic achievement.

About Jiří David: Záře at Galerie Rudolfinum in Prague

Read curatorial context and practical visitor information for Jiří David: Záře at Galerie Rudolfinum in Prague

Exhibition summary

This exhibition features 'Záře' (Glow), a prominent neon artwork by Jiří David, in the form of a large thorn crown installed above the Galerie Rudolfinum. The project details the technical aspects and scale of this significant artistic intervention.

Curatorial context

The exhibition 'Jiří David: Záře' showcases a monumental neon artwork titled 'Záře' (Glow), conceived by artist Jiří David for Galerie Rudolfinum. This piece, a neon thorn crown positioned above the Dvořák Hall's roof, began its conceptualization in spring 2000 and saw its technical and organizational development from autumn of that year. The project involved extensive collaboration with NEONKLEMM for neon production and construction, with a total cost estimated between 900,000 to 1 million Czech Koruna. The thorn crown itself is an elliptical structure measuring 11 x 15 meters, with its highest and lowest thorns extending over 5 meters apart. Weighing approximately 3 tons, the installation is secured by eight load-bearing blocks. Its construction utilizes half a kilometer of glass tubing filled with a mixture of neon and argon, further enhanced by fluorescent powder. The artwork's electrical consumption is around 12 kWh per hour, powered by approximately 40 transformers positioned every 14 meters. The on-site assembly on the Rudolfinum's roof commenced on February 18, 2001, using pre-fabricated semi-finished parts, with the first test activation taking place on February 27, just before the vernissage.

Admission and ticket notes

The page mentions that admission is voluntary, and visitors can re-enter if they do not have enough time to view the exhibition. Last entry is 30 minutes before closing time. However, specific opening hours are listed as closed on Mondays, Tuesdays-Sundays, and Thursdays, which seems contradictory for a typical exhibition schedule and may indicate an archived or specific context.

Jiří David: Záře key exhibition facts

Review exhibition status, schedule, venue context, and attribution details for Jiří David: Záře at Galerie Rudolfinum in Prague

Venue
Galerie Rudolfinum
Current status
Completed
Exhibition schedule
Feb 28, 2001 – May 27, 2001
Artist line / attribution
Exhibition curated by Martin Dostál and Petr Nedoma, featuring the work of Jiří David.
More from Galerie Rudolfinum
Explore additional exhibitions from the same institution
Review other exhibitions from Galerie Rudolfinum in Prague to compare themes, timelines, and program direction while planning your museum visit.
The Last Painting Exhibition at Galerie Rudolfinum Prague
From Dec 18, 1997

The Last Painting Exhibition at Galerie Rudolfinum Prague

Exploring the 1997 revival of traditional Czech painting.

Delve into a key historical exhibition from Prague’s contemporary art archive. Learn how emerging Czech artists challenged the boundaries of the traditional medium through conceptual painting.

Exhibition Overview
Faces and Bodies of the Middle Kingdom Exhibition at Galerie Rudolfinum
From Mar 13, 1997

Faces and Bodies of the Middle Kingdom Exhibition at Galerie Rudolfinum

A landmark showcase of 1990s Chinese avant-garde art.

Explore a collection of eighty-seven works focusing on portraiture and figurative representation. Created by nineteen prominent artists, this display highlights the creative forces of the 1990s avant-garde movement.

View Exhibition Details
Watercolor illustration of the Decadence International Art Exhibition, featuring purple-hued gallery space with silhouetted visitors viewing provocative artworks on the walls.

Decadence Now! Visions of Excess: Contemporary Art Exhibition at Rudolfinum Gallery

Explore boundary-pushing art addressing excess, alienation, and taboo themes.

Explore 'Decadence Now! Visions of Excess,' an international exhibition examining decadence in contemporary art. Discover works by artists like Jeff Koons and Cindy Sherman, pushing boundaries and challenging societal norms through provocative themes. This project fosters crucial discussions on significant cultural topics.

View Exhibition
Watercolor illustration of an art gallery exhibition featuring Martin Mainer's recent works on nature and the forest, with visitors viewing paintings in a purple-hued space.
From Oct 8, 1999

Martin Mainer: Trailer of the Forest of Forests Exhibition at Galerie Rudolfinum

A survey of contemporary Czech painting from a significant artist.

Delve into the artistry of Martin Mainer through his 'Trailer of the Forest of Forests' exhibition. This collection at Galerie Rudolfinum highlights works from 1998–1999 by the acclaimed Czech painter.

Mainer Exhibition
Watercolor illustration of a contemporary Chinese photography exhibition titled 'A Strange Heaven' with visitors viewing artworks in a gallery space with purple lighting and banners.
From Sep 4, 2003

A Strange Heaven: Discover Contemporary Chinese Photography and Visual Arts

Features over 200 photographic works by 40+ artists from the 1990s.

This exhibition explored contemporary Chinese photography, showcasing its emergence as a distinct art discipline. It provided a broad perspective on the nation's artistic potential through numerous works.

A Strange Heaven Exhibition
Watercolor illustration of a gallery space with visitors viewing vibrant abstract paintings in purple, blue, and orange tones on white walls.
From Oct 5, 2006

ACNE: Discover Czech Painting from the Richard Adam Collection at Rudolfinum Gallery

A comprehensive survey of post-1980s contemporary art and diverse artistic styles.

This exhibition surveys influential Czech painting from the mid-1980s onward, drawn from a major private collection. It features works by various artistic generations and movements, including abstract and realist styles. Delve into key developments in contemporary art.

ACNE Exhibition
Prague

Find Current Exhibitions in Prague: Your Guide to Museum Shows

Explore Prague's vibrant art and history through diverse museum exhibitions.

Easily discover what's on display in Prague's museums and cultural institutions. Explore compelling temporary exhibitions covering a wide array of fascinating topics, from historical periods to modern artistic movements.